A group of state lawmakers object to a resolution passed in Mount Dora. The resolution implements the “Safe Place” initiative in the city.
This is a program that allows businesses to request to be designated a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community and people who are victims of hate crimes. Those businesses would get a sticker or badge that they can display. Sign up for our Newsletters
A group of state senators and representatives sent the city a letter accusing it of enacting a dangerous policy that could cost businesses money. The lawmakers sent the letter on Monday inviting city officials to their meeting Tuesday morning. The letter also said they’re considering all legislative, legal and executive options. You can read the full letter from the delegation here.
“It’s politicizing public safety in a way that’s never happened here in Lake County,” said Anthony Sabatini, chairman of the Lake County Republican Party.
They said the program was “negligent, irresponsible, and divisive at best,” and that the move could bring economic harm, pointing to recent controversies that have impacted major companies.
“The funny part about the letter is it talks about that this could be divisive to our county. But it’s an all-inclusive type of initiative. So I’m not sure how that’s divisive,” said Mayor Crissy Stile.
Stile says the resolution passed was not just for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The resolution says the program is for anyone who is a victim of a hate crime.
Note: Mount Dora is a city located about 30 miles NW of Orlando.
At best I’m hearing “Republicans won’t shop at places that are LGBTQ+ friendly”, at worst I’m hearing “It’d be a shame if something happened to your business after you put the safe space sticker up.” Disgusting.
AKA: “Be hateful bigots, live silently in terror, or else…”
Wait a second. Is this a new “safe place” thing? Because the ones I’ve seen are for runaways and sex trafficking victims, etc. You go there, let the employees know, and they’re supposed to have a “safe place” for you to wait for the police.
Nope, this is a window sticker businesses can choose to put up, stating that they treat people fairly. The opposition is mad because they know the bigots wont put stickers up, will get judged in the court of public opinion, where they have no sway, and ultimately republican businesses will suffer monetary losses as a result of them choosing to express their free will to refuse put a sticker in the window.
Yeah, those are the ones I’ve seen as well. And at bus stops there are ads talking about what they’re for. But they said nothing about LGBT, just those experiencing abuse/runaways. It’s a yellow diamond sitcker with a house that says “Safe Place”.
ETA: They’re specifically for businesses.
